The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued comprehensive instructions to returning officers to ensure that the upcoming national parliamentary election is held freely, fairly, and peacefully. The circular, signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain on January 8, outlines procedures for appointing election and polling agents, their duties, submission of expenditure reports, and measures to prevent terrorism and fake voting.

According to the directive, candidates must appoint qualified voters from their constituencies as election agents and notify returning officers in writing. Each polling station may have one polling agent, who must present appointment papers before voting begins. The EC emphasized that agents play a vital role from the start of voting through counting, and all candidates—whether elected, defeated, or unopposed—must submit detailed expenditure returns within 30 days of gazette publication. Failure to comply or exceeding spending limits will be treated as a punishable offense.

The EC also urged candidates and agents to cooperate in preventing violence, intimidation, and fake voting, warning that any illegal campaigning or disorder within 400 yards of polling centers will face strict action. Voting is scheduled for February 12, following the official campaign period ending on February 10.